In this course students will…
-determine theme;
-analyze plot and its various phases;
-examine how literary elements affect plot progression, assist in character development, and convey meaning, including: motif, symbol, foreshadowing, echoing, flashback, opposition, metaphor, irony, foil, choice of language; 
-understand the mono-myth (Hero’s Journey), The Heroine’s Journey, The Villain’s Journey, and character archetypes;
-develop an understanding of modern pop-culture.

This course provides opportunities to for students to develop the following skills:
1.Explain the function of character.
2.Explain the function of setting.
3.Explain the function of plot and structure.
4.Explain the function of the narrator or speaker.
5.Explain the function of word choice, imagery, and symbolism.
6.Explain the function of comparison.
7.Develop textually substantiated arguments about interpretations of a portion or whole text.

Credentialed teacher with almost 20 years of experience in education. Certified AP English teacher, forensics coach(speech and debate), with an extensive background in drama.  I have taught in multiple states in the U.S. and spent three years teaching in China.  I am traveler, chef, poet, and storyteller, specializing in writing instruction, literary analysis, creative projects, and above all, building student teacher relationships.

Homework Offered
Students will be expected to watch movies as assigned and complete the accompanying movie worksheet (typically one movie each week). During non-film weeks, students will be expected to complete a weekly reading assignment instead. Reading in this class is minimal, and will be either in the form of a graphic novel or short stories. Students may begin reading or watch films in advance if they wish. In addition, once our poetry unit is complete, students will be tasked with watching 1-3 spoken word poems each week or reading 1-3 poems, and completing the poetry response worksheet. All projects must also be completed at home. Students are encouraged to join a weekly study hall session so that they may work together on homework assignments and get extra assistance from me when needed. 
2 - 4 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered

In lieu of formal exams, this course will use essays and projects as the primary form of student assessment. Projects must be submitted on the date due. Work submitted after the deadline may not be evaluated or scored. Students failing to submit a final project shall earn an "incomplete."
Grades Offered
Students shall be evaluated overall by a combination of engagement, progression, and learning.  Rather than waste time on trivial grading, much of the work in this course is designed as exercises in order to promote student development.  Students that are actively engaged and put forth the effort will excel with the assessments. That being said, it is the finish product that is more important when it comes to student assessment.

Students shall maintain all work as assigned in a digital folder or physical notebook. As most assignments are designed as practice exercises, these will typically be scored as credit/no credit based on effort and completion.  Daily assignments and regular homework will be kept in this file and submitted for scoring at the end of the trimester.  Students keeping a physical copy rather than a digital copy must submit their work in photograph form as a slideshow.

In lieu of formal exams, this course will use essays and projects as the primary form of student assessment. Projects must be submitted on the date due. Work submitted after the deadline may not be evaluated or scored. Students failing to submit a final project shall earn an "incomplete."

All assignments will be graded based on the 5-point scale, then weighted appropriately.

The 5-point scale:
A=5 (4.5-5): Far surpasses all standards and expectations
B=4 (3.5-4.4): above average, exceeds standard
C=3 (2.5-3.4):  Meets standard expectations and requirements
D=2 (1.5-2.4): Needs improvement/meets some expectations but falls below standard
F= 1 (0-1.4): Does not meet standard expectations
0=0: did not turn in or did not complete

Weighting (per trimester)
30%  Engagement and effort
20%  Homework/daily assignments (Trimester folder)
20%  Mini project
30%  Final Project

(A note on grading: My classes are designed to be easy to pass provided students put forth the effort; however, I do not grade easily. I expect my students to always give me their best effort, but quality of a finished product and assessment of learning, knowledge, and understanding require more than just effort.  In other words, I am an easy C, but a hard A.) 

Book
“Superman: Birthright,” by Mark Waid (Graphic Novel)
Poetry to be provided

Films
“Dead Poet’s Society”
“The Princess Bride”
“Star Wars: A New Hope
“Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back”
“Star Wars: Return of the Jedi”
“The Shawshank Redemption” [R]
“Superman” (1978)
“The Great Gatsby” (2013)
“A Raisin in the Sun”
A Spiderman movie, student choice
“Rudy”